Before GOP drop-out, Third Party candidate nearly had a majority of votes…

Before GOP drop-out, Third Party candidate Doug Hoffman nearly had a majority of votes in the New York 23rd Congressional District special election.

Tom Jensen at Public Policy Polling say they showed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman crushing the competition with a 45-26-17 lead over Democrat Bill Owens and Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.

Now that Assemblywoman Scozzafava is out of the race Jensen writes on Public Policy Polling’s blog, "I expect Hoffman will win easily now, but if our early numbers were any indication what Scozzafava did doesn't make much difference- he was going to win easily with or without her in the race."

Assemblywoman Scozzafava suspended her campaign late Saturday morning after new polling data showed she was getting crushed in the race and had very little hope of winning the election. We are guessing the Assemblywoman saw numbers similar to what Public Policy Polling found and realized she had to drop-out to have any way to save face and possibly run for office again in the future.

SOURCE:

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2009/10/ny-23-polling-odyssey.html

Tens of thousand of people pledging to vote for Daggett on website… Is it true?

Tens of thousand of people are pledging to vote for independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett on DaggettPledge.com. The website says more than 20,000 people have signed-up to pledge to cast a vote.

The website asks for voters names, town, e-mail address along with some other optional information. The Thirds has no doubt that team Daggett will receive a serious number of votes on election day after running a good campaign and getting a number of newspaper endorsments, but we question if the 20,000+ is a real number.

Alexander Higgins of Brick, New Jersey registered the site on October 29th and two days later has 20,000+ pledges. More than 400 pledges per hour seems kind of high for a brand new website. Is this a trick or a treat for the Daggett campaign on Halloween day? We’re not sure.

If we are wrong and a non-campaign website for a candidate can get 20,000+ people to fill out a form in just a matter of hours Corzine, Cristie, the Democrats and Republicans will have a very scary Tuesday night. No matter what, we do wish Chris Daggett and all of New Jersey the best of luck on election day.

SOURCE:

http://daggettpledge.com/

Third Party candidate forces Republican out of race…

Third Party candidate forces the Republican out of the race for New York's special election in the 23rd Congressional District. Liberal-leaning Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava is suspending her campaign for Congress. She was forced out of the race as Republicans and conservatives bolted to support Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. The last straw on the “political-camels” back may have been former New York Governor George Pataki backing Doug Hoffman.

Scozzafava released a statement on her website saying that she has no shot at winning the election, but did not ever mention Doug Hoffman or for the matter the Democratic candidate Bill Owens. Her statement said, “…I care deeply and passionately about (the District’s) people and our way of life. Whether as a candidate for Congress, a State Assemblywoman or a small town Mayor… and today I again seek to act for the good of our community.”

She then explained, “I’ve been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record… It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so.”

The last paragraph was clear, “On Election Day my name will appear on the ballot, but victory is unlikely. To those who support me – and to those who choose not to – I offer my sincerest thanks.”

This showed the success of the Tea Party movement, they ran the Republican Party hand-picked candidate out of the race. This also shows Assemblywoman Scozzafava, while a damaged politician, is a smart politician. She had no hope of winning this race. If Assemblywoman Scozzafava would have stubbornly stayed in and caused the Democrat Bill Owens to win, she would have likely been done in Republican Party politics. She still may be done, but the Assemblywoman still has some hope and favors to cash-in with party bosses. Those same part bosses that have a dozen eggs on their faces for selecting Assemblywoman Scozzafava to run in the first place.

While Doug Hoffman is not a true third party candidate, he is a Republican running on the Conservative Party ticket, this shows that third party candidates can have a huge effect on a race.

SOURCE:

http://dedeforcongress.com/news/read.aspx?id=73

Third Party and Major Party candidates form Minnesota Governor to face-off in forum…

Third Party and major party candidates for Minnesota Governor are going to face-off in a forum. Gustavus Adolphus College announced the school will host a forum with five DFL (Minnesota’s version of Democrats) candidates, one Republican candidate, plus with Peter Roess of the Green Party of Minnesota and Chris Wright of Grassroots Party of Minnesota.

A news release explains the in the forum, “Participants will be given a chance to make an opening statement about their vision for the state and will then field questions from students and community members in the audience. Issues surrounding higher education in the state of Minnesota will specifically be addressed.”

SOURCE:

http://news.blog.gustavus.edu/2009/10/27/gustavus-to-host-gubernatorial-candidates-forum/

Libertarian for Iowa Governor launches website…

Libertarian for Iowa Governor launches website at coopersmallergovernment.com. Eric Cooper and Nick Weltha are running for Iowa Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Their website touches on a number of issues including: Education, Smoking Ban, Gay Marriage, Cigarette Tax, Fireworks Ban, Drugs, and Attracting People to Iowa.

SOURCE:

http://www.coopersmallergovernment.com/

Newspapers says: Vote for Daggett, the only positive one…

The Hunterdon County Democrat newspaper says vote for Daggett. The newspaper endorsed independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett.

Jon Corzine and Democrats are guilty of, “ever-increasing debt and one-shot budget gimmicks.” As for Republican Chris Christie they say the prosecutor is not right for the Governor’s Office, “cracking down on lawbreakers is far different from juggling the nuances, personalities and pressures of running state government.

So why Daggett? The paper says, “…both parties have failed and the voters' best choice is the independent Chris Daggett. Unencumbered by party, he would have to pursue compromises and alliances that would break the partisan gridlock. Most of the positive vision advanced in the campaign has been by Daggett.”

SOURCE:

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2009/10/vote_for_daggett_holt_sworen_d.html

Former Republican Governor of New York endorses Third Party candidate…

Ben Smith on Politico.com published a statement former New York Governor George Pataki’s endorsement of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in New York’s 23rd Congressional Special Election.

Pataki, a Republican, did not mention liberal-leaning Republican backed Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava and only said Doug Hoffman was the correct candidate to vote for in the race.

Pataki said, “…I’m deeply concerned about the course of our nation and the outcome of the election in the 23rd Congressional District… we cannot afford another vote for higher taxes, we cannot afford another vote for government run health care and we absolutely cannot afford another vote to take away from hard working men and women the right to secret ballot. That is why tonight, I’m proud to endorse Doug Hoffman, a Republican, running on the Conservative line for Congress in the 23rd Congressional District… And Doug Hoffman can win.”

SOURCE:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Pataki_endorses_Hoffman.html

Third party candidates garnering some support in California special election…

Third party candidates garnering some support in California special election. It has been the least talked about major election set for early November, but there is a Congressional special election in California set for November 3, 2009.

The race is to replace Democrat Ellen Tauscher, who is now Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

Lieutenant Governor Democrat John Garamendi is facing Republican David Harmer along with American Independent candidate Jerry Denham, Jeremy Cloward of the Green Party, and Mary C. McIlroy from the Peace and Freedom Party.

A poll conducted by SurveyUSA showed Lieutenant Governor Garamendi getting 50% of the vote and Harmer with 40%. The poll said “other” candidates are getting six percent of the vote, but the poll did not show which candidates were getting the vote. Four percent are still undecided.

SOURCE:

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=d0a09738-d7a8-4f8f-9ed9-a5275c7eab96

15% of New Jersey voters planning to vote for other options…

15% of New Jersey voters are planning to vote for other options in the Governor's race according to a new Stockton College/Zogby International Survey. The poll showed 14% of voters plan to vote for independent Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett, and 1% plan to vote for another person beyond Daggett or the Republican or Democrat. The “other” was not specified in the poll.

The poll showed incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine up 40-39% to Republican challenger Chris Christie.

SOURCE:

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1761

Poll shows Bloomberg safe…

Poll shows Bloomberg safe in polling numbers and favorable rating. A Marist University showed independent incumbent Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a 53-38% lead of over Democratic challenger New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson.

54% of people polled also said Mayor Bloomberg is doing an Excellent/Good job in office.

4% of voters said they will cast their vote for another candidate.

SOURCE:

http://www.pollster.com/blogs/nyc_bloomberg_53_thompson_38_m.php

http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/nycpolls/c091026/Complete%20October%2030,%202009%20NYC%20Poll%20Release%20and%20Tables.pdf

Rasmussen still shows low support for Daggett…

Rasmussen Polls are still shows low support for Independent New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Daggett. Rasmussen shows 8% of voters are leaning for Daggett, compared with 46% for Republican challenger Chris Christie and Incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine getting 43%.

Rasmussen says Daggett’s numbers are, “up a point from earlier in the week but down three from two weeks ago.” Rasumssen says, “more than 20% of the state’s voters have considered voting for Daggett at some point along the way”.

Rasmussen polls have show significantly lower support for Daggett than other polls over the past few weeks.

SOURCE:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/new_jersey/election_2009_new_jersey_governor

Independent for Massachusetts Governor looking good…

Independent for Massachusetts Governor looking good according to polls. A Rasmussen Reports poll of Likely voters shows current Governor Duval Patrick is leading in current polling with 34%. But, there is a two-way tie for second place with the Republican candidate and former Democrat now running as independent state Treasurer Tim Cahill. Treasurer Cahill got 23% of the vote.

The Republican candidate will like be either Charlie Baker or 2006 independent candidate Christy Mihos, their polling results in the election were stastically equal.

The great news of the poll for Treasure Cahill is that he is the leader in the Favorable ratings. He had a 49-25 rating. That puts Treasure Cahill with the highest favorable rating, but also the lowest unfavorable rating. That means if the people who have no opinion of Cahill break evenly he will have a 62% favorable rating, and a likely win in the 2010 election.

SOURCE:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/massachusetts/election_2010_massachusetts_governor

http://lcvonlinenews.blogspot.com/2009/10/governor-massachusetts-2010.html

Hoffman tied for lead, and looking good…

Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman tied for the lead in New York’s Special Election in the 23rd Congressional District.

A Daily Kos poll of likely voters shows Doug Hoffman tied with Democrat Bill Owens for a lead in the race. The poll shows Bill Owesn at 33% and Doug Hoffman at 32%. Liberal-leaning Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava is well behind at 21%.

The biggest take away from this is that 12% of Republicans are still undecided and 14% of Independents are still undecided. Republicans and Independents are both breaking for Hoffman, also only Hoffman has a clear advantage in favorability rating from Republicans and Independents. Even if all of undecided Democrats break for Owens, Hoffman can win if a majority of Republicans and Independents break for him.

SOURCE:

http://lcvonlinenews.blogspot.com/2009/10/house-ny-23-2009_29.html

Third party in Maryland gets write-up…

A new third party in Maryland gets write-up in Newspaper. Meg Tully writes on FrederickNewsPost.com, “The Maryland Independent Party is affiliated nationally with America's Independent Party.”

Tully describes the new party as, “…hoping to draw in people disenchanted with America's two major parties.” The party does not plan on organizing as an “official party”, but they plan on endorsing candidates that agree with their stances.

There is already a party in Maryland with a similar name “the Independent Party” which is different from “The Maryland Independent Party”

SOURCE:

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=96938

Modern Whigs getting noticed in Florida…

Modern Whigs are getting noticed in Florida. Tom McLaighlin writes on NWFDailyNews.com there are a number of people lining-up to unseat incumbent Representatives Jeff Miller and Allen Boyd.

McLaighlin writes about Paul Crandall McKain becoming the, ”first Whig candidate to run for federal office since Abraham Lincoln.” McKain is running against Representataive Boyd. McKain was quoted saying, “If the representative does not represent the wishes of the people, the people’s vote means nothing… they have no representation.”

The article wraps mention that there are three Modern Whig candidates running for Congress from Florida.

SOURCE:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/low-21936-boyd-miller.html

New York Times calls for the incumbent…

New York Times calls for incumbent New York City independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg to be re-elected.

The editorial as reported by CNN.com said, “Mr. Bloomberg has been a first-rate steady hand during unsteady times… He guided the city out of the post-9/11 recession, then tucked away money during the boom years that followed. That foresight has helped New Yorkers weather one of the worst economic downturns in 80 years. Mayor Bloomberg has easily earned another four years."

CNN said the editorial was partly favorable to Democratic city Comptroller William Thompson who is running against Bloomberg, but was not fond of Thompson’s attacks on Bloomberg.

SOURCE:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/24/the-new-york-times-endorses-bloomberg/

Bloomberg the Quarter-Billion dollar spending candidate….

The first paragraph of the story from Reuters says it all: “New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent more of his own money in pursuit of public office than any other individual in U.S. history, spending $85 million as of Friday on his latest reelection campaign, the New York Times reported on Saturday.”

The times article said Bloomberg is on pace to spend between $110 and $140 million of his own money prior to the November 3 mayoral election, spending more than a quarter billion dollars in his three bids for New York City Mayor.

SOURCE:

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE59N0K420091024

Doug Hoffman’s Letter to the Editor in New York Post…

Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Post that was published on October 25. The letter explains why he is running for office and his beliefs. The eighteen paragraph (some of them one sentence paragraphs) letter to the editor can be summed-up in two paragraphs below.

Hoffman on his political beliefs: “They don’t seem to get it that increased spending leads to higher taxes and fuels a projected $9 trillion deficit. That earmarks and pork-barrel spending might be beneficial to their political careers, but are devastating to the taxpayers who foot the bill. They are oblivious to the fact that tort reform, cutting of waste, and the introduction of free-market solutions are the ways to lower the cost of health care. That Obama-care will only lead us down the slippery slope to socialized medicine.”

Hoffman on the Republican party and his base: “It is a battle that has been joined by current and former elected Republican officials, conservative activists and members of the ever-growing Tea Party and 9/12 movements. And if the GOP picks liberal candidates for the midterm congressional elections next year, they may find that there are a lot more people out there like me who won’t go along. We are not going to win by becoming more like the Democrats. We’re going to win by standing up for our beliefs.”

SOURCE:

http://www.nypost.com/f/print/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/take_back_the_party_ASPo06GnWtIO2Wsstyd3NM

NRCC: Hoffman cannot win in special election

The National Republican Congressional Committee says Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman cannot win the special election in New York’s 23Rd Congressional District.

Alex Isenstadt writes on Politico.com, “The NRCC plans to spend between $200,000 and $300,000 on TV ads in the final week-and-a-half of the campaign. The ads will focus on Owens and Scozzafava and will not mention Hoffman.”

They are continuing to back Assemblywoman Scozzafava saying she has the ground support to win in the district.

The article quotes an unnamed GOP source saying, “I have yet to see a poll that shows a path to victory for the Conservative… They have no base.” That same official told Isenstadt that Republicans backing Hoffman are dealing with, “hopes and dreams.”

Sorry for the pun, but we’ll have to wait a few more days to find-out who has a great dream and who is having a nightmare.

SOURCE:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28699.html

Has Scozzafava given-up on Conservatives?

Has Scozzafava given-up on Conservatives? She tweeted out being happy that Senator Susan Collins and Representative Ginny Brown-Waite are campaigning with her.

Having Representative Ginny Brown-Waite is safe, but relatively doesn’t have that much name recognition. Brown-Waite is a native of the New York North Country so that may help a little. But the conservative damage could come from Senator Susan Collins. Collins could be very attractive to conservative-Democrats.

Does this mean Scozzafava is hoping to win the election with the backing of moderates, conservative-Democrats, and some Republicans support in the process seeding many Republicans and conservatives to Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman?

SOURCE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBfhm-xqKb8

http://www.twitter.com/DedeScozzafava

Rick Santorum and Freedoms Defense Fund add to Hoffman’s backers..

Former Republican Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and the group Freedoms Defense Fund are now added to Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman’s backers according to a post from Doug Hoffman on Facebook page.

Just a series of more Republicans and conservatives backing him versus the Republican backed Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.

SOURCE:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=175605063816&id=104731159040

Republican Minnesota Governor likely to endorse non-republican in New York congressional race…

Republican Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is likely to endorse non-republican in New York congressional race. Jordan Fabian writes on TheHill.com, the 2012 presidential hopeful Governor Pawlenty, “said he will likely endorse a candidate in the contentious New York special House election.”

Pawlenty did not say who he would endorse. But let play “eliminator”. Bill Owens is a Democratic – he’s out. The Republican is Dede Scozzafava. Pawlenty did not describe Assemblywoman Scozzafava in a high light, "As a conservative, I am worried about some of the things I've heard about how the person was selected… the selection of this individual...seems a little cloistered." He also added, "(I am) concerned about some of the alleged issue positions that she holds." Scozzafava – not an endorsement.

Pawlenty did not mention Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. In this case, a no mention is good. So, Mr. Governor, when will the Hoffman endorsement happen?

SOURCE:

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64531-pawlenty-to-probably-endorse-in-ny-special-expressed-doubts-about-scozzafava

Steve Forbes backs Hoffman…

Another big name conservative, Steve Forbes, is backing Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in his race for New York 23rd Congressional District special election.

Hoffman is battling liberal-leaning Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens to replace new Army Secretary John McHugh’s seat in Congress.

SOURCE:

http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/Owens-Hoffman-announce-endorsements/dfD-lL-9DE2hXwRKsqrxXA.cspx

Principle above Personal: Hoffman willing to take a big financial loss because it is right for the country…

E.J. Conzola II writes on AdirondackDailyenterprise.com that Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in New York's 23rd Congressional District special election is now backing the flat tax idea. Hoffman was quoted saying, "The tax code that we have is so complex. ... It's basically corrupt."

That is a bold moved because Hoffman is an accountant. He estimates that roughly half the business done by his accounting firm is helping taxpayers deal with the IRS.

Hoffman later added in the article, "High taxes and complex government regulations and red tape stifles businesses."

When contacted for Conzola’s article, the spokesman for Republican backed Dede Scozzafava said his candidate does not want a flat tax, but “does support reforming existing tax laws”.

SOURCE:

http://adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/509318.html?nav=5008

What are the top ten political party logos?

What are the top ten political party logos? LogoDesignWorks.com figured it out.

The results:

1. Democratic Party Logo Design

2. Republican Party Logo Design

3. Libertarian Party Logo Design

4. Green Party Logo Design

5. Constitution Party Logo Design

6. Socialist Party USA Logo Design

7. Social Democrats USA Logo Design

8. Modern Whig Party Logo Design

9. America First Party Logo Design

10. The Independence Party of America Logo Design

SOURCE:

http://www.logodesignworks.com/blog/top-10-usa-political-party-logos

Opinion: Don’t call Hoffman a spoiler.

Don’t call Hoffman a spoiler is the way Jimmy Vielkind ended his opinion piece on Observer.com. Vielkind writes about the battle with-in the Republican Party and conservatives over liberal-leaning Assemblywomn Dede Scozzafava's and the Conservative Party option of Doug Hoffman, and how they will try to beat Democrat Bill Owens in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional seat.

After breaking down the race where chairman of the Franklin County Republican Committee Jim Ellis is quoted saying some Republicans are, "either going to work with Hoffman or they're going to lay back and do nothing," because Dede Scozzafava is too liberal.

Vielkind also questioned Scozzafava because, “She's running low on cash… had a disastrous appearance yesterday in front of Hoffman's headquarters…. called the cops on a reporter for The Weekly Standard, then lied to reporters about it.”

The piece ended with breaking typical Third Party mentality, “The thing is that most people—myself included—have written off Hoffman as a mere spoiler. We shouldn't have assumed.”

SOURCE:

http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/hoffman-scenario

Hoffman’s Democratic opponent sued of over advertisement…

Hoffman’s Democratic opponent sued of over advertisement. Joe LoTemplio writes on PressRepublican.com the people behind the “Got Milk” ads are not happy with Democratic New York 23rd Congressional special election candidate Bill Owens.

The California Milk Processor Board filed a cease-and-desist order requesting that the spot be pulled. The advertisement shows Owens, “talking about dropping milk prices for farmers, and at the end of the spot he says, ‘We've got to find out who's got milk ... money.’”

The Owens's campaign said the advertisement is a parody of the milk slogan and not a misuse and was still on the air.

We’re not sure if this will help Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, it’s just interesting.

SOURCE:

http://www.pressrepublican.com/homepage/local_story_296230634.html

Possible running mate with Goodman for Governor not jumping in…

Possible running mate for Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s possible independent run for Governor is not jumping into the race. Susan Voyles writes on RGJ.com that Reno Mayor Bob Cashell is planning to run for a third term as mayor.

Voyles reported, “Cashell toyed with the idea of running for governor. He said he had a poll that showed an independent ticker of Cashell, a Republican, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, a Democrat, could be competitive.” Cashell said after weighing all of the options, his heart is in Reno.

Voyles did not speculate who else could run with Goodman for Governor, that is if Goodman actually does run.

SOURCE:

http://www.rgj.com/article/20091022/NEWS/91022062/1321

Green Party selects four new co-chairs…

Green Party selects four new co-chairs. In a news release posted on the Green Party’s website the party announced, “the election of four new co-chairs, Mike Feinstein (from California), Farheen Hakeem (Minnesota), Jason Nabewaniec (New York; reelected), and David Strand (Minnesota); and the reelection of Holly Hart as the party's national secretary.”

Jason Nabewaniec was re-elected and there is no biography on him, but the three new co-chairs are described with short biographies including:

Mike Feinstein: “Mayor and city council member of Santa Monica (CA), is one of the co-founders of the Green Party of California… (who’s top priorities are) proportional representation with public financing, fair ballot access, and inclusion for all ballot qualified candidates in all debates."

Farheen Hakeem: “The highest ranking in the US for any Muslim woman or Muslim in any political party… (She called for) divestment from Israel… ran for Mayor of Minneapolis, coming in third out of 12 candidates.”

David Strand: “Co-chair of the Green Party of Minnesota and treasurer of the 3rd Congressional District Green Party… a founding member of the Lavender Green Caucus, which represents gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Greens. He is a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

SOURCE:

http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=255

America's Independent Party makes an early backing for Illinois Governor…

America's Independent Party Chairman Tom Hoefling announced on his party’s website that they “enthusiastically endorse” Randy Stufflebeam of the Constitution Party for Governor of Illinois.

Hoefling compared Stufflebam to President Regan and ended by saying, “we urge all Illinoisans to lend their prayers, time, energy, financial resources, and VOTES to Randy and his campaign. Do your state, and our nation, a huge favor by doing what it takes to elect Randy Stufflebeam as your Governor.”

SOURCE:

http://aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9262&posts=1

Another Third Party backs Hoffman in special election….

Another Third Party backs Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in New York 23rd Congressional District special election. This week America's Independent Party endorsed Doug Hoffman for Congress.

In a post on their website America's Independent Party Chairman Tom Hoefling writes, “Our people, principled independent Reagan moral conservatives, believe that Doug is exactly what we're looking for in a Congressman. In fact, we would assert that if we don't soon begin to elect individuals of Doug Hoffman's character and caliber, our beloved country will not survive much longer in liberty.”

Hoefling goes on to compare Hoffman’s beliefs to Regan and then ends with, “A Doug Hoffman win will be a victory for government of, by, and for the people. Please don't waste this historic opportunity to change America's course for the better.”

SOURCE:

http://aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9264&posts=1

Another New Jersey Newspaper endorses Daggett for Governor…

Another New Jersey Newspaper endorses independent Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett for Governor. The editorial praised Daggett as being the only candidate that will not be hamstrung by the party politics that caused havoc on the state.

The paper’s editorial board writes that an endorsement for Corzine was a nearly laughable idea. They wrote, “New Jersey has consistently earned a ranking of 50th in business climate, but our politicians would choose economic suicide for the people they represent than suggest solutions they view as political suicide for themselves.”

They then compliment Daggett saying he is the only candidate with a clear vision for the future, “Daggett’s willingness to offer a detailed plan on how to cut property taxes and begin to address the state’s upcoming budget crisis and long-term debt contrast sharply with both Corzine, who is running on his record, and Republican Chris Christie.”

The newspaper already once endorsed Republican Chris Christie in the Republican primary but felt he has come-up short. Writing, “Unfortunately, too much of the current Christie campaign seems to be about Republicans saying, ‘it’s our turn, he’s our best chance to win,’ and not what they want to do for our state.”

So can Daggett be effective and can Daggett win? The newspaper says yes. They argue, “Daggett’s campaign is based on the premise that only an independent – someone who doesn’t have to worry about whether his party is going to get campaign contributions from special interests or whether his party is going to lose seats in the next election – can make the difficult decisions needed to fix New Jersey… Democrats and Republicans have been arguing for months that a vote for Daggett is a wasted vote because he cannot win… Corzine and Christie have both been dropping (in polls), and it only takes 35 percent to win in a close three-way race.”

They wrap-up with a reversal of the theme a vote for Daggett is a wasted vote writing, “Neither the Democratic nor the Republican candidates deserve your vote. Chris Daggett does. Give it to him, and maybe we can change New Jersey. Vote for Chris Daggett on Nov. 3.”

SOURCE:

http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2009/10/22/the_citizen/opinion/editorial/doc4adf7fd32df59220631560.txt

One month for independent candidates to file for Massachusetts special election…

There is one month for independent candidates to file for Massachusetts special election for U.S. Senator to replace the late Ted Kennedy. “Non-Party” candidates have until November 24th at 5:00pm to file for the election.

If you are running on a party ticket you had to file by October 20th. The partisan primary election day is December 8, 2009, with the general election about one month later on January 19, 2010.

Only Democrats, Republican and Libertarian are considered to be “parties” in the Bay State.

SOURCE:

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/senatorincongressma.htm

Bloomberg gaining by not moving...

Bloomberg gaining by not moving in a recent poll from Marist College Institute for Public Opinion incumbent independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg widened with Democratic challenger City Comptroller Bill Thompson. Bloomberg now has a 16% lead in the race for New York City Mayor.

Bloomberg’s numbers stayed the same, but Thompson’s numbers dropped from 43%to 36%.

Seven percent of voters said they will be voting for somebody else.

SOURCE:

http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/nycpolls/c091019/Bloomberg/Complete%20October%2022,%202009%20NYC%20Poll%20Release%20and%20Tables.pdf

Nearly 20% in Maine leaning for a Third Party/Independent for Governor…

Nearly 20% in Maine leaning for a Third Party/Independent candidate for Governor in their 2010 election.

A new poll from Public Policy Polling shows 18% of the people asked, “Generally speaking next year do you plan to vote for a Democratic, Republican, or third party/independent candidate for Governor?” responded third party/independent.

The undecideds in the poll were at 27% percent. If you add the undecideds to the people that committed to a third party/Independent, that equals 45% and a win for a candidate that could capture the state of Maine in a runaway race.

SOURCE:

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_ME_1022.pdf

More confirmation Daggett is on the rise, undecided are breaking for him…

More confirmation Independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett is on the rise. A Survey USA poll shows Chris Daggett jumping to 19% in the race for Governor.

As Daggett rises, the other two candidates are standing pat. This means nearly all of the voters that were undecided are now looking towards the independent. Only one percent of the voters were still undecided.

This is great news for camp Daggett because if the voters that are going for Corzine or Christie move to the undecided column, it is likely just the mid-point in a trip to Daggett’s column and not the Democrat or Republican.

SOURCE:

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=7db77e05-7dee-44e9-b5c1-3cceb228e39c

Daily Kos poll puts Hoffman in third…

A Daily Kos poll puts Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in third place for New York's 23rd Congressional District special election. The poll just released Friday morning shows Democrat Bill Owens at 35%, the Republican backed Dede Scozzafava 30%, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman at 23%.

The interesting thing is that recent reports say internal polling from both the left and the right show Assemblywoman Scozzafava plummeting into third place. Scozzafava has been psydo-endorsed by the Daily Kos founder.

SOURCE:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/10/23/796030/-NY-23:-Democrat-Leads-Way-In-Special-Election

Sarah Palin backs third party candidate…

A note posted on Sarah Palin’s Facebook page made it very clear who she supports in the special election in New York’s 23rd Congressional District, and it is not the Republican candidate.

Palin writes, “The people of the 23rd Congressional District of New York are ready to shake things up, and Doug Hoffman is coming on strong as Election Day approaches!”

Doug Hoffman is the Conservative Party candidate who is running as the self-described only Conservative candidate in the race. Many conservative republicans are running from the liberal-leaning Republican hand-pick candidate Assembly woman Dede Scozzafava.

Palin also writes, “I am very pleased to announce my support for Doug Hoffman in his fight to be the next Representative from New York's 23rd Congressional district… my political action committee, SarahPAC, (is donating) to his campaign the maximum contribution allowed by law.” She continues, “And best of all, Doug Hoffman has not been anointed by any political machine. Doug Hoffman stands for the principles that all Republicans should share: smaller government, lower taxes, strong national defense, and a commitment to individual liberty.”

The former Alaska Governor ended the note by asking for people to donate money to Hoffman’s campaign.

SOURCE:

http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2009/10/22/palin-ready-to-shake-things-up-in-new-york/

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=157794838434&ref=mf

One website calling for Scozzafava to withdraw from the race, and another, and another, and…

As The Thirds predicted, the Dede Scozzafava campaign calling police on a reporter may have completely imploded her campaign.

Now four conservative voices are calling for liberal-leaning Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to withdraw from the special election in New York’s 23rd Congressional District. That means Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman is probably going to get even more support and possibly vault him into first place in the race. Leaked internal polls show the Scozzafava has fallen to third place in the race.

So what are they saying?

National Review on-line: “It's not just bad taste, or stupid, or silly for Scozzafava to call the cops, hoping they'll shoo away a reporter who is asking her questions she doesn't want to answer. It is, depending on the discretion of the prosecutor, a potential crime. Cops who respond to false claims of crimes can't be elsewhere, where perhaps real crimes are being committed. The maximum penalty for a class A misdemeanor is one year in jail. Should Dede Scozzafava or her husband go behind bars for this? Probably not, but she ought to have the decency to withdraw from the race for Congress.”

Washington Times: “Police state tactics are inexcusable, and the media in general, along with all who cherish constitutional checks on abuse of the police power, ought to fight such tactics and defend fellow journalists/bloggers from them. Ms. Scozzafava should stand down.”

Washington Examiner: “So Scozzafava’s campaign called the cops on McCormack, then falsely claimed the reporter had screamed at the candidate… Scozzafava - whose claim to be a Republican is undermined by her support of Card Check and her previous endorsement by ACORN’s far left Working Families Party - should withdraw from the special election campaign for New York’s 23rd congressional district.”

Red State: “Her recent behavior indicates a candidate who has lost control of the message, the campaign, and any chance of winning… we strongly believe Dede Scozzafava should withdraw from the race and throw her support to Doug Hoffman. It is objective fact that Scozzafava is in third place in the race.”

SOURCE:

http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTYyZjI1M2Q3OGE1OThlYTBhYzkzZjAyNDc2N2RkZTY=

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/watercooler/2009/oct/22/scozzafava-should-withdraw/

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/EXAMINER-EDITORIAL-HOT-ZONE-Scozzafava-should-withdraw-65546357.html

http://www.redstate.com/erick/2009/10/22/dede-scozzafava-should-withdraw/

Mock Ad: The Scozzafava 911 call

Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman unveiled a new radio ad mocking his competition that called police on a reporter. The campaign of Republican Dede Scozzafava called police when she or one of her staffers felt concerned over a report asking her questions.

The radio commercial starts with a female voice saying, “Yes, I work for Dede Scozzafava. A reporter voting to increase taxes.”

We were just waiting for somebody to mock the Scozzafava campaign for call the police on a reporter. It’s happened now.

SOURCE:

http://www.doughoffmanforcongress.com/files/Hoffman911.mp3

Who would be better with the budget? If ad spending vs. votes Daggett is best by a mile.

Who would be better with the budget? If ad spending vs. votes Daggett is best by a mile.

Let’s trust the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll in the New Jersey Gubernatorial electiuon is correct. It shows incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine at 39%, Republican challenger Chris Christie at 36% and Independent Chris Daggett at 20%.

Let’s also trust a graphic in the Wall Street Journal sourced from TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG is correct on television ad spending. Governor Jon Corzine has spend $17.2 million, Chris Christie has spent $14.2 (Christie number includes $5.2 million from the Republican Governor’s Association), and Independent Chris Daggett has spent $300,000.

Let’s do a little division. What candidate is getting the best bang for the buck?

Corzine: $441,026 for every one percent of the vote.

Christie: $394.444 for every one percent of the vote.

Daggett: $15,000 for every one percent of the vote.

If Daggett can be this effective for getting votes for that little of amount of money, what could he do with the state budget?

SOURCE:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125617045643600361.html

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/10/latest_nj_governors_race_poll.html

Congrats to MSNBC ‘s First Read…

Today’s “First Read” political column on MSNBC.com focused only on two issues. Both of them strongly focused on Third Party or Independent candidates. We are the third are very happy to see the national media take a close look at candidates without a “D” or “R” next to their name.

The first half of the column mentions the New Jersey Gubernatorial race noting, “independent Chris Daggett continuing to surge” after reaching 20% in a recent poll.

The back half of the column looked at New York’s special election in the 23rd Congressional District. It talked about Ken Blackwell’s backing of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. Blackwell is a fellow on the Family Research Council fellow and a member of the Club for Growth board of directors. The Hoffman portion of the column also mentions Hoffman’s appearance on the Glenn Beck radio show and television show.

SOURCE:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/10/22/2105647.aspx

Who is that on your heals? It’s Chris Daggett!

Who is that on your heals? It’s Chris Daggett! NJ.com reprinted a Associated Press article on the new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll showing another surge for Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Daggett. The polls showed incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine at 39%, Republican challenger Chris Christie at 36% and Independent Chris Daggett at 20%. That means five percent of people of are still either undecided or voting for another candidate.

That is a six percent jump for Daggett over the Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey Poll. It appears at this point it appears the rallying cry of Chirs Christie “A vote for Daggett is a vote for Corzine” may be turned around to “A vote for Christie is a vote for Corzine”.

The biggest issues is that it appears about 40% of New Jersey voters lack the ability to vote for anybody other than a Democrat. If Cozine falls to 35% in polling, Daggett very likely will win.

SOURCE:

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/10/latest_nj_governors_race_poll.html

Daggett needs a feather boa, his polling numbers look like Ventura’s…

Independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett needs a feather boa, his polling numbers look like former Minnsota Governor Jesse Ventura’s numbers. That’s the take from Aaron Blake writing on TheHill.com.

Blake writes, “New polling shows the independent New Jersey Governor candidate is about where former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) was at this point in his 1998 race…”

Blakes cites a Rutgers/Eagleton poll that has Chris Daggett polling at 20 percent, which is his best showing yet. Blake writes, “By comparison, Ventura's initial bump in polling registered in a Minneapolis Star Tribune poll conducted Oc.t 15-18, which showed him at 21 percent.”

To throw a little water on the fire, Blake writes Daggett has to close a 5% larger gap than Ventura. But, the votes are not cast yet.

SOURCE:

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64251-daggett-getting-into-ventura-territory-in-polls

Independent candidate for Massachusetts Governor starts to define himself…

Independent candidate for Massachusetts Governor starts to define himself according to an article posted on PatriotLedger.com written by Jon Chesto. Chesto writes Tim Cahill is trying to define himself as, “A former entrepreneur who understands the needs of small businesses. A fiscal conservative who sounded the warning of a pending crash in state revenues. A steely administrator who is willing to make the tough decisions”

Cahill is the Massachusetts State Treasurer. He spoke at South Shore Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Chesto wrote, “Cahill touched on most of these elements before, including his concern that a significant portion of the state’s current spending level relies on the state’s diminished rainy day fund and short-term federal stimulus funds.”

Cahill who was elected to the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s office as a Democrat is running for Governor as an independent candidate.

SOURCE:

http://www.patriotledger.com/business/x1866329923/State-Treasurer-Tim-Cahill-steps-up-the-pressure-on-Gov-Deval-Patrick

Scozzafava: After the wheels come off a campaign, what comes off next?

After the wheels come of a campaign, what comes off next? Republican liberal-leaning candidate Dede Scozzafava held a news conference calling for more debates in the New York 23rd Congressional District special election.

While the words Assembywoman Dede Scozzafava were fine, the picture speaks a thousand words. In the video posted on YouTube, we clearly saw nine campaign signs for Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman being held by Hoffman supporters.

There was only one Scozzafava supporter clearly shown in the video (we assume Assembywoman Scozzafava will still vote for herself).

SOURCE:

http://www.redstate.com/moe_lane/2009/10/21/how-not-to-do-it-the-infamous-dede-scozzafava-photo-op/

Talk-radio paying attention to Third Party candidate in NY Special election…

Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman is getting attention from major conservative talk radio. On Wednesday the candidate in New York's 23rd Congressional District special election made an appearance on the Glenn Beck radio show, was mentioned on Rush Limbaugh’s show, and was Mark Levin’s show.

Hoffman will appear on Glenn Beck’s television show on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

This could mean a big increase in fundraising over the last stretch of the campaign.

SOURCE:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=175642729746&id=104731159040

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=158119837701&id=104731159040

Rhode Island third party growing its grassroots…

A Rhode Island third party growing its grassroots. Ian Donnis writes on WRNI.com, “The Moderate Party of Rhode Island… (formed) 17 Moderate Party Town Committees.” Donnis explains the party focus on, “the Four E's- Economy, Education, Ethics, and Environment.”

The article quoted the Executive Director of the Moderate Party of Rhode Island Christine Hunsinger, "We're excited to have these committees up and running… (they are) an essential part of our organization when it comes to fundraising and getting our message out.”

Even more committees are expected to be announced by the end of November.

SOURCE:

http://www.wrni.org/blog/ian-donnis/moderate-party-announces-17-town-committees

Jesse Ventura 2012…

It’s only one post on a message board, but there appears to be a promise of the website JesseVentura2012.com to be on-line in November. The website appears to be urging former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura to run for President in 2012.

At Ron Paul’s rally during the 2008 Republican National Convention, Ventura made a veiled promise that he would run for President in 2012 if the support was there for him to make a run and it appeared that he could win.

The support could be starting with the website, but ballot access could be the largest obstacle in getting Ventura to become candidate Ventura again.

SOURCE:

http://www.venturaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1660

Why so many Czars?

Why so many Czars? That could be one of the questions in a Senate committee Thursday morning. Eric Zimmermann writes on TheHill.com, “For the second time in a month, a Senate committee will hold a hearing to explore the role of ‘czars’ in the executive branch.”

Independent Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee exploring "The Past, Present, and Future of Policy Czars." Zimmerman writes, “That description is similar to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on czars a few weeks ago, titled ‘Examining the History and Legality of Executive Branch Czars.’”

The Witnesses at the hearing include:

former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge,

George Mason University Professor James Piffner,

Attorney Lee A. Casey,

former researcher at the Congressional Research Service, Harold Relyea.

SOURCE:

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/63657-lieberman-to-hold-czars-hearing

Minnesota’s major third party getting close to candidate for Governor…

Minnesota’s major third party getting close to finding a candidate for the 2010 Gubernatorial election. Tim Pugmire writes in an article posted on Minnesota.PublicRadio.org, “(Jack Uldrich, chairman of the Independence Party of Minnesota said) there are two leading candidates for the Independence Party endorsement, but he won't name names. He said neither person is ready to go public, and Ulrich will only say that both have government experience and are currently working in the private sector.”

There currently is one person that has filed to run for the office under the Independence Party ticket, Rahn Workcuff of Minneapolis. According to the article, “Workcuff has run previously for the Legislature, school board and soil and water board.”

SOURCE:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/10/19/independence-party-2010/

Ballot access battle could go to NC Supreme court…

An associated press article posted on WBTV.com says North Carolina’s strict ballot access rules may be challenged in the state’s supreme court.

Lawyers for the Libertarian and Green parties lost the appeal. But the article reads, “A lawsuit challenging requirements for third parties to get on North Carolina ballots likely will be heard again after a split decision by the state Court of Appeals… The 2-1 decision means the state Supreme Court would take the case if attorneys for the Libertarian and Green parties asked them to do so.”

The parties in North Carolina have to collect nearly 70,000 signatures to get on the ballot. If a candidate failed to receive 2% of the vote, the petition process starts over again.

SOURCE:

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11345243

Challenger closing on Bloomberg…

Democratic Challenger Bill Thompson is closing on Incumbent independent Mayor Mike Bloomberg in a new poll from Survey USA. The poll shows New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson now only 12% back from the independent Incumbent. The good news for Bloomberg is that the poll still shows Bloomberg above the 50% mark, but only sitting at 53%.

Across the entire city Mayor Bloomberg is crushing Comptroller Thompson in voters over fifty years old (the ones who vote). But the polls are starting to break by region of New York City. Comptroller Thompson has taken a lead in Brooklyn and the Bronx, polling over 50% in both boroughs. But, in the other boroughs of Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island Mayor Bloomberg has a dominating 60+% lead. This race may be closer than expected, but Mayor Bloomberg still appears that he will come-up the winner even if every undecided breaks for Comptroller Thompson.

With this races apparently in hand, will Mayor Bloomberg endorse anybody in the New Jersey Gubernatorial race?

SOURCE:

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=b8c3dab8-ce92-431d-ba89-521f01ad55a9

Conservative Party candidate moving-up in the polls and Republican crashing…

The Conservative Party candidate in New York's 23rd Congressional special election is moving-up in the polls and Republican crashing according to a column from Chris Cillizza.

Cillizza writes that in internal polls from “both sides of the partisan aisle” show the Republican hand-selected candidate Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava has fallen to third place in polling.

So, where is Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman first or second place? You have to assume, second place because a first place finish would probably also be noteworthy.

The Cillizza column also ask can the Third Party candidate win? He writes, “Hoffman allies insist that the proper lens through which to look at the race is the conservative/liberal one. By that measure, there is one conservative running and two liberals… there are enough conservative voters to hand him a surprise victory.”

SOURCE:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/ny-23-can-doug-hoffman-win.html

New Daggett radio ad…

Independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett released a new radio ad.

The most important of this radio is the last line read by Chris Daggett himself, “Polls don’t count; votes do. Remember: it is never wrong to vote for the right person.” The polls show Daggett significantly behind, but he is encouraging voters to vote with their heart and mind, not based on polls.

Here is the full text of the ad read by Chris Daggett:

“This is Chris Daggett, Independent candidate for governor of New Jersey.

My campaign pledged that we would tell you the truth about New Jersey’s budget problems, and we have. We told you we would run a clean campaign, and we have. We promised you a plan to cut property taxes and make New Jersey affordable again, and we delivered.

In the debates, I’ve demonstrated the best knowledge of the details of state government and provided the clearest solutions.

We’ve done all we can to run a campaign that New Jersey can be proud of while my opponents have denigrated our politics with personal attacks. It’s time to stand up for New Jersey. To change our state we have to change our governor. Four years of Jon Corzine have been a miserable failure. Four more would be a disaster.

Chris Christie has absolutely no plan on to govern New Jersey or how to fix our problems. His campaign continues to go in one direction: backwards.

This will be one of the biggest upsets in American history — when you vote Chris Daggett for Governor.

Polls don’t count; votes do. Remember: it is never wrong to vote for the right person.”

SOURCE:

http://daggettforgovernor.com/wordpress/2009/10/20/daggett-radio-ad/

Daggett is up in polls, but will there be enough time?

Independent New Jersey Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett is up in a recent Rasmussen Report polls, but will there be enough time? The poll shows Republican challenger Chris Christie and Incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine neck-and-neck with 41-39%. Daggett had 11%.

Daggett is the only candidate to gain votes from the last Rasmussen poll, up two percent in one week. That means Daggett needs eleven more weeks, and he does not have that kind of time. That is unless something else happens. Daggett is rumored to come-out with some television ads. Could Daggett get a big game-changing endorsement? Will voters get sick of the Democrat-Republican mudslinging and vote for the other candidate? Something big needs to happen to get Daggett a big bump.

The one thing that is for sure is the way Rasmussen ended his write-up of the gubernatorial race, “At this point, anybody who says with confidence how this race will turn out is either deluding themselves or attempting to delude someone else.”

SOURCE:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/new_jersey/election_2009_new_jersey_governor

The phone call that ended a campaign?

Could the Dede Scozzafava camp have just made a phone call to hand the election to somebody else? What led up to the phone call is up for debate, but what is not up for debate is somebody from the Dede Scozzafava camp called the police on a reporter.

Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava is the hand-picked liberal-leaning Republican that is running for the New York 23rd Congressional District special election. Many conservatives in the district were upset by the choice and are supporting Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. Recent polls showed all three candidates in the race were with-in ten points of each other.

So what could make that race go south for a candidate? Maybe calling the police on a reporter. There are two sides to the story, but lets argue the side of Scozzafava is the gospel. Ben Smith on Politico.com has the side of Scozzafava from aide Matt Burns: “Agree or not with Dede Scozzafava's positions, she should still be afforded a basic level of respect. Asking tough questions is one thing, but acting like John McCormack did tonight shows a complete lack of decency. This self-described reporter repeatedly screamed questions while our candidate was doing what she is supposed to be doing: speaking with voters (remember, those who will decide this election?). And then this "reporter" followed the candidate to her car, continuing to carry on in a manner that would make the National Enquirer blush. That's the truth, but maybe that doesn't matter to your readers.”

Even if we are to assume that is the complete truth, if this candidate and her team cannot handle one unruly reporter in an otherwise friendly environment what are they going to on Capitol Hill? Could that phone call move some more of Scozzafava's waning Republican votes over to the Conservative Party candidate?

SOURCE:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1009/Scenes_from_the_GOP_civil_war.html

http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/10/scozzafava_calls_the_cops.asp

Independent or third party candidate show well in generic ballots…

Independent or third party candidate show well in generic Congressional ballot done by Public Policy Polling. Tom Jensen writes on the Public Policy Polling blog, “Our (generic Congressional) national poll (asked).. the standard Democrat/Republican choice and the other was a Democrat/Republican/Independent or Third Party choice.” The results when three choices are given, 22% of respondents said they would choose an independent or third party candidate.

Jensen wrote that the independent streak runs deeper in Republicans. He writes, “twice as many GOP voters as Democrats would prefer to vote for a third way instead of their own party next year.”

He also writes that sentiment from voters could hurt Republicans in the 2010, and points to Doug Hoffman’s strong third party run in New York’s 23rd Congressional District special election as proof.

SOURCE:

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2009/10/broader-implications-of-ny-23.html

Republican County Chairman says NY Republican leadership is “very tone deaf”...

In an article written by Michael Patrick Leahy on TCOTReport.com, Republican Party Chairman of Oneida County George Joseph is ripping his own party’s candidate in New York’s 23rd Congressional District special election.

He said the election is over for the Republicans, “Do I write off this election? Absolutely. Unless something – a revelation comes through regarding Hoffman, or there’s a change in events for the Democrats — the Democrat’s going to win. That’s how we lose elections.”

Joseph questioned Republican party bosses selecting Dede Scozzafava for the election. The report quoets Joseph as saying, “Just with [Dede] coming out of Albany — any legislator in Albany is so tarnished why would we nominate them ? We acted very tone deaf in how we selected this nominee.”

SOURCE:

http://www.tcotreport.com/josephoct20.html

http://biggovernment.com/2009/10/20/breaking-ny-county-gop-chairman-writes-off-scozzafava/

Bloomberg staffer rips Corzine, Independent endorsement to come?

A staffer for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg rips Democratic Incumber Governor Jon Corzine. Does this mean an endorsement of Independent Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett could be coming?

An adviser to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quoted in New York magazine ripping on New Jersey Incumbent Governor Jon Corzine who’s running for re-election.

Kevin Sheeky was quoted saying, “Look at Mike Bloomberg and Jon Corzine. Very similar backgrounds, very similar people. Both came into office spending a lot of money, okay? And one of them has been very successful, and one has generally been very unsuccessful, both in competitive environments. Why is that? I would argue it's because one turned out to be really good at his job, and is surrounded by really good people, and he's used persuasion to move things forward. If Mike Bloomberg were unsuccessful, he'd be a one-term mayor."

Could this be the latest trial balloon leading to a Mayor Bloomberg endorsement for fellow-independent Chris Daggett. A Bloomberg adviser was earlier quoted as saying “Nothing ruled in or out" when asked if Daggett could be endorsed by Mayor Bloomberg. It surely seems a Corzine endorsement could now be ruled out.

SOURCE:

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/10/19/no_bloomberg_endorsement_of_corzine.html

http://nymag.com/news/politics/60161/index4.html

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/10/16/bloomberg_considering_new_jersey_endorsement.html

Tea Party Express leader to back Conservative Party candidate for Congress…

Tea Party Express leader is backing Conservative Party candidate for Congress in the New York 23rd Congressional District special election. Erick Erickson posts on RedState.com, “Dick Armey, the House Majority Leader after the 1994 Conservative Revolution will go to New York to campaign for Doug Hoffman.”

This hot battle features Democrat Bill Owens, liberal-leaning Republican Dede Scozzafava, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. Conservatives were in an uproar after the Republican party bosses selected Scozzafava to run in the race. Hoffman who wanted the Republican nomination bolted to Conservative Party to run for Congress after fully learning of Scozzafava liberal stands and voting record. Hoffman says he is still a Republican, but is running on the Conservative Party line to provide a Conservative choice in this race.

Former Majority Leader Armery is quoted saying, “In New York’s 23rd Congressional District, two Democrats and a Republican are running for Congress. One of the Democrats just happens to have an “R” next to her name and the Republican is running on the Conservative Party ticket thanks to the way the candidates were chosen.”

Erickson wraps-up writing, “Armey said he does not think the establishment within the Republican Party really understands the mood of the country right now.”

SOURCE:

http://www.redstate.com/erick/2009/10/19/dick-armey-heads-to-ny-23-for-hoffman/

New website backs Conservative Party candidate for NY CD23 special election…

A new website is backing Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in the New York's 23rd Congressional District Special Election. The web addres dumpdede.com points to dumpdede.wordpress.com. It is not clear who created or registered this website.

There are a few articles about Republican leadership hand-picked special election candidate. She is a liberal-leaning Republican. The point of the website is really anti liberal republicans. The headline on the website is “Dump Dede or Dump the GOP: They Decide”

There is a section on the website called “About Dump Dede.” It explains, “Republicans in New York’s 23rd District have chosen to nominate and support an ACORN-backed, Working Families Party-endorsed liberal over conservative candidate Doug Hoffman….. The Republican party has this week to Dump Dede Scozzafava or the tea party will take over for them…”

There is also as side bar reading “These Folks Do NOT Support Conservatism” and mentions Newt Gingrich and NY GOP.

It also says “These Folks Support Conservatism” Club for Growth, Doug Hoffman and Michele Bachmann.

SOURCE:

http://www.dumpdede.com

https://dumpdede.wordpress.com/

Poll in Maine begs for an Independent/Third Party candidate to get into the race…

The Maine polling preview from Pubic Policy Polling talked about polling data that will be released on Thursday. PPP looked at the 2010 Maine Gubernatorial race. Tom Jensen wrote, “With a huge number of candidates we just had to pick a couple Democrats and Republicans to test to get a general idea of the lay of the land and none of the match ups we looked at showed anyone getting better than 34%.”

Cough-Cough Peter Vigue.

This shows a great opportunity for an independent/third party candidate to get involved. Either the candidates selected in this poll have very low name value or are not liked. Either way a strong Independent candidate could make waves. Peter Vigue, a construction executive, is thinking about running in the Maine Gubernatorial race.

We know Maine has a history of voting independent candidates for Governor. See: Two-term Governor Angus King.

SOURCE:

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2009/10/maine-poll-preview_19.html

Possible opening for third party candidate in Illinois Senate race…

A new Rasmussen Reports polls shows a possible opening for a third party candidate in the 2010 Illinois Senate race.

The opening is small, and we are not sure for whom. But there could be an opening. The Rasmussen Reports polls asked voters how they would cast their vote in three sample elections.

Mark Kirk was the Republican in all of the races. When Kirk was put head-to-head with Democratic State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias or Cheryle Jackson, a former top aide to Governor Blagojevich, 4% of voters said they would vote for somebody else. When Kirk was put up against former Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman, 8% said they would cast their vote for another candidate.

This early in the election cycle, when four to eight percent, of the 500 people polled said they would vote for “other” it’s not good for the major parties. But, who is this “other” candidate? The poll did not ask. Is there one third party candidate that got a solid 2 to 3 percent of the vote, or is there eight to ten people getting below one percent of the vote?

SOURCE:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/illinois/election_2010_illinois_senate_election

Corzine & Christie tied below 40%, Daggett still in teens…

A new poll from Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey on the New Jersey Gubernatorial race shows Incumbent Governor Jon Corzine and Republican Challenger Chris Christie tied with 39% and Independent Chris Daggett at 14%.

The poll showed Chris Daggett was the only candidate with a positive in the favorable-unfavorable rating at 28-15, but more than half of all likely voters say they don’t know enough about Daggett to form an opinion.

Here is where the Daggett team seems like they need to focus. Daggeet had three big-momentum moments in this race. The first is when he got public funds for the race, the second time was when he announced his property tax plan, the third was his tremendous performance in the first debate. This cannot be re-created. But there is still one that he can take advantage of – his property tax plan.

Shockingly according to the poll 68% of voters said they did know about any of the candidate’s tax plan’s. If Daggett can get his tax plan talked about, independents could bolt to him. He also could peal away Republican and Democratic voters. It appears that still pushing his property tax is the ticket to victory.

But how to get that attention to his tax plan? The Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, Patrick Murray said, “Daggett may have hit his ceiling in this race. Lacking both ground troops and the financial resources necessary to keep his message in front of voters over the final two weeks, it’ll be difficult for him to overcome most voters’ inclination to go with one of the two major party candidates.”

Daggett needs another game-breaker. What will it be?

SOURCE:

http://www.monmouth.edu/polling/admin/polls/MUP30_1.pdf

New ad in New York’s special election backing third party candidate…

The “Club for Growth” and “Club for Growth PAC” is launching a $300,000 television ad campaign today in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional District.

The Club for Growth PAC's endorsed of Doug Hoffman. Hoffman is a republican that bolted to the run on the Conservative Party ticket after seeing his party-bosses nominate liberal-leaning Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to run for Congress.

The add starts with the question: "Tired of choosing between two liberals for Congress?" Followed by the answer: “There is a better choice.”

The ad continues to mention Hoffman’s biography and some of his political positions.

SOURCE:

http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2009/10/new_tv_ad_in_ny23.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7Ppc9HeDJ8

Meet the Modern Whig Party Congressional candidates…

Meet the Modern Whig Party Congressional candidates in Florida. The Florida Whig Party is holding a nationwide virtual press conference introducing all of their Congressional candidates.

You will be able to meet, Paul McKain, the first Modern Whig candidate ever announced, he is running in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. The other two people on the conference call will be recently announced candidates John Annarumma in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District and Clayton Schock in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

The press conference will take place in a teleconference Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 7-7:30 ET.

The party is also searching for somebody to run in the special election in Florida’s 19th Congressional District to replace Congressman Robert Wexler.

SOURCE:

http://modernwhigparty.blogspot.com/2009/10/meet-whigs.html

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/905270450

Constitution Party making push in the South…

Members of the Constitution Party are trying to get at least 85,000 signatures so their party can be recognized on North Carlolina’s ballot.

Rachel Gallaher writes on WNCT.com the Constitution Party wants to get on the ballot by 2012. Gallaher writes the Constitution Party’s efforts to get signatures is not focusing on new members just getting people that want to see a new organization.

SOURCE:

http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/new_political_party_looks_for_support_in_kinston/64174/

Another Newspaper endorsement of Corzine with more negatives than positives…

Another Newspaper endorses Democratic Incumber Governor Jon Corzine with more negatives than positives as the Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board backs the Democrat.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board’s backing of Governor Corzine is weak, but it much better than the embarrassing endorsement made by the New York Times that The Thirds also wrote about.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board pines for what they would call a better candidate. The board writes, “neither [challenger] has made a convincing case that he would do a better job in Trenton… (with) the weak alternatives, The Inquirer endorses JON CORZINE.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board seems to be impressed with Chris Daggett’s bold property tax plan. They wrote, “(Daggett’s) idea is much closer to what’s needed on the issue than the failed rebate program his opponents have embraced.” After his tax plan The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board questions Daggett saying his platform is “sketchy”. They also question what Daggett will do in office writing, “(Daggett) relies heavily on his status as an independent who can ‘bring people together’ — which sounds good, but could mean almost anything.”

It was obvious The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board considered Daggett more than the Republican Chris Christie. They described Christie, “dodging fundamental policy questions, he asked to be exempted from the basic rules of seeking public office… Christie still relies too heavily on Corzine’s unpopularity while spouting vague promises to cut taxes and spending.”

But the endorsement of Democratic Incumbent Governor Jon Corzine was anything but full-throated. A long list of negatives listed by The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board include: “Corzine has sometimes seemed timid about shaking up the statehouse… (Corzine took a) principled stand for funding pension obligations, only to have to retreat from it… (Corzine) put forward but abandoned a controversial proposal to retire state debt… (Corzine) often seemed too cozy with labor… (Corzine) managed only to significantly slow the growth of property taxes, not reduce them.”

The newspaper editorial board basically wrote with a state so corrupt and party-bosses being so powerful Corzine’s failures are not that bad. The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board wrote, “Some of Corzine’s imperfect victories are nevertheless remarkable for a New Jersey governor — and hard to imagine under the state’s usual government by insiders.” With a comment like that, is the need for an Independent Governor is more than ever? The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board apparently does not think so.

SOURCE:

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq_ed_board/64579297.html

New York Times “endorses” Corzine for re-election, ignores Daggett…

The New York Times “endorses” Democratic Governor Jon Corzine for re-election. In an editorial that could only be described as less-than inspired the New York Times comes to a loose defense of New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine.

In the short six-paragraph endorsement The New York Times Editorial Board only mentioned Independent Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett in one. The paragraph focusing on Daggett calls him “engaging” and saying his “contribution to this campaign has been his thought-provoking ideas about cutting property taxes”. Beyond that The New York Times editorial board could not come-up with a reason to vote for or against Daggett.

The paragraph The New York Times Editorial Board spent on the Republican candidate started strange, “Despite his support from President Obama, Governor Corzine faces two formidable opponents…”. It almost sounded as if The New York Times Editorial Board is shocked somebody could challenge an Obama supporter. The New York Times Editorial Board questioned Republican challenger Christopher Christie due to “concerns” and “reports”. Their only direct criticism of Christie was his tax plan being “far too vague”. At least they pointed to something. They did not come-up with a single concern about Daggett – yet choose to ignore him.

The other four paragraphs focused on Governor Corzine. The New York Times Editorial Board described Governor Corzine as “(struggling) through his first term… has lessons to learn about communication and leadership… Most New Jersey voters find him astonishingly inarticulate, and his credentials as a former co-chairman of Goldman Sachs do not seem as impressive as they did before the financial meltdown… we would like to see him back away from the state’s unions.”

The New York Times Editorial Board did pay some compliments towards Governor Corzine, but wrapped-up the endorsement by calling the Governor, “a decent man with a laudable set of goals.”

Does being a “decent man” with “laudable goals” qualify a person for the Governor’s office? If so, there are millions of people in New Jersey as qualified as Governor Corzine. But then again, did anybody believe the New York Times would endorse a non-Democrat?

SOURCE:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/opinion/18sun3.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

The battle over Joseph Lieberman’s party…

The battle over Joseph Lieberman’s party is heating-up, and he’s not even in the party. Shannan Butler on Cnn.com writes about the battle over the Connecticut for Lieberman party. In 2006 Independent Senator Joe Lieberman lost the Democratic primary but was re-elected with the backing of a third party named for him, “Connecticut for Lieberman”, even though he never joined the party.

Butler writes, “now [the Connecticut for Lieberman] party may be used to target the state’s other senator, Democrat Chris Dodd, who is already facing stiff competition from the Republicans for his 2010 re-election bid.” But there is a major problem with the party, who runs it? The article says, “Lieberman and his supporters failed to file what’s called ’party rules’ with the Connecticut secretary of state’s office, department spokesman Av Harris said, leaving the door open for someone else to do so. Fairfield University professor John Orman, who opposed Lieberman, was the first to file party rules, and soon after Lieberman’s suppporters followed suit.” So now there is battle over who really controls the party.

Butler later ads, “Meanwhile, neither side has taken the issue of who controls the party to court.”

And Senator Lieberman's office says, "No Comment".

SOURCE:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/17/connecticut-for-lieberman-not-so-fast/

The more people learn about Scozzafava, the better Hoffman does…

The more people learn about Scozzafava, the better I do is the take from Conservative Party candidate for Congress Doug Hoffman. Doug Hoffman, running in the New York 23rd District’s special election, made those statements in a special guest post on MichelleMalkin.com.

Hoffman’s post was spurred by the decision of Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, the Republican selected to run for the seat by party bosses, to sign Taxpayer Protection Pledge to not raise income taxes if elected to Congress. Hoffman said Assemblywoman Scozzafava signing the pledged was a stunt in an attempt to seem more conservative. Hoffman pointed out Assemblywoman Scozzafava mocked Hoffman for signing the pledge about two months before she signed the pledge.

Assemblywoman Scozzafava is liberal-leaning and is sliding in the polls. Only about half of Republicans are even backing her in a recent Siena College poll. Hoffman wrote that is for one simple reason, “The more [conservatives] learn about Dede Scozzafava, the worse she does in the polls. And the more they learn about my campaign, the better we do.”

SOURCE: http://michellemalkin.com/2009/10/17/a-message-from-ny-23-conservative-candidate-doug-hoffman/

Daggett does not win Debate, therefore he loses…

Daggett does not win Debate, therefore he loses is the take from Wally Edge writing at PolickerNJ.com. Edge wrote nearly unanimously first New Jersey Guberantorial debate watchers said Chris Daggett won. As for the second debate nobody won, making Daggett the biggest looser of the debate.

Edge writes, “Expectations were high; after all, Daggett was the great debater, the guy who could put Jon Corzine and Chris Christie in their places, the man who would show the state why the two party system was a failure… (Daggett) came off a little whiney and a lot pompous.”

What could have been Daggett’s largest failure according to Edge’s article was Daggett not talking about his own record, “Daggett didn't say a word about his own record in government. He served in Tom Kean's cabinet, and held a top environmental post under Ronald Reagan. No mention of specifics of his own record.”

Edge also questioned Daggett being, “unable to name a single Justice of the United States Supreme Court, even though panelists gave him several chances.”

SOURCE:

http://www.politickernj.com/wallye/34192/no-winner-gubernatorial-debate-daggett-was-big-loser

Newspaper Commentary: Daggett wins debate #2.

Josh McMahon writes in a commentary on NewJerseyNewsroom.com that Independent Gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett won the second Gubernatorial debate.

McMahon says, “Daggett who impressed in the first time out and did so again. He was the most likeable and the one who made the most sense… Of the three, Daggett is the only one who has acted like a leader and like someone who respects the voters' intelligence.”

McMahon writes of the reason to not vote for the Republican or Democrat in this race, “For voters clinging to hope that one of the two major party wannabes would be inspiring – or at least offer a embraceable argument for his election – Friday night's debate was yet another let down in a series of them… After two debates the bottom line is that neither of the two major party candidates is particularly appealing. Forget charisma, neither one comes close to inspiring anybody to vote for him. Even more depressing neither one offers hope that the future will be better.”

But McMahon ends with a sober take for Daggett, “Despite his performance, Daggett probably won't win. The two-party system is rigged against a third party candidate like him. That's too bad.” Will voters take the time to find Daggett’s name hidden in the ballot? If voters think that searching though less than two-dozen ballot lines is going to be too hard, do New Jerseyians really deserve a good Governor?

SOURCE:

http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/njs-second-gubernatorial-debate-is-sadly-much-like-the-first

Debate #2: Christie attacks Daggett, Corzine ignores him...

In the second New Jersey Gubernatorial Debate Jonathan Martin on Politico.com says Republican Challenger Chris Christie spent most of the debate attacking Independent Chris Daggett, while Incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine mostly ignored Daggett only alluding to him.

So what is Martin’s take on Daggett? He explained Christie and Daggett, “traded attacks and had the sharpest exchange of the 90-minute debate over their tax and spending proposals.”

While not focusing on the other candidates Daggett focused on the parties of the candidates, “..saying that Democrats had offered a failed plan while Republicans presented no plan.” Daggett said, “It’s time to vote for someone rather than against someone.”

Daggett also twice mentioned his plan of reducing property taxes and not having a rebate anymore. Daggett said, “My definition of [property tax] rebates is money Republicans and Democrats shouldn’t have taken from you in first place.”

Governor Corzine mostly ignored Daggett in the debate, but also after the debate. Martin writes, “(Corzine was) uninterested in talking at any length about Daggett after the debate when asked by reporters about the independent.” Corzine was quoted saying, “At least (Daggett) has a plan, he doesn’t have a fantasy.”

Daggett also said he expects to have television advertisements at some time.

SOURCE:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28402.html